Iran authorities mandate immediate international internet shutdown during war

Higher-level authorities in Iran have issued a formal and binding directive requiring the immediate disconnection of international internet access for users in the event of a new war. This decision has been established as an executive mandate to ensure global network access is severed during military conflicts.

The directive follows several significant periods of internet disruption in Iran over the past year. These include an 11-day disruption during a 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025, a total shutdown of international internet and mobile services during nationwide protests in January 2026, and an 88-day period of near-total disconnection following military attacks by the US and Israel in early 2026.